Consequences of Underage Drinking

It is important for you to help your students make the right decisions when it comes to alcohol. Drinking isn’t worth getting kicked out of school, losing a job, having to pay fines, and possibly even going to jail.

Personal Consequences

If you drink underage...

You could lose privileges and your parents’ trust.

You could get expelled from your school, sports teams, or extracurricular activities.

Your poor decision-making can lead to pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.

You can hurt the development of your coping skills and emotional maturity.

You will have a greater chance of addiction (alcoholism).

Legal Consequences

Underage Drinking - It is illegal for anyone under 21 years of age to possess, purchase, attempt to purchase, consume, or transport any liquor, malt, or brewed beverages.

Driving Under the Influence - If you’re under 21 years of age and caught driving with any measurable amount of alcohol in your blood, you may be arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI).

Misrepresentations of Age - It is illegal for anyone under 21 years of age to knowingly and falsely represent himself or herself to be 21 or older to any licensed dealer, distributor, or other person, for the purpose of obtaining any liquor, malt, or brewed beverages.

If you commit any of these offenses, you can:

Lose your driver’s license for up to 90 days (starting on your 16th birthday, if you are younger).

Have to pay fines of up to $300 plus court costs.

Spend up to 90 days in jail.

Health Consequences

Not only does drinking underage have personal and legal consequences, it also has serious health consequences. Please see the below PDF for a detailed look at emergency department visits involving underage drinking.